Belleville, Ontario community Rallies to Support 7-year-old Challenger Baseball Player Raechel ‘Rae’ McIntyre As She Bravely Lives With Muscular Dystrophy
BaseballSuruchiJanuary 18, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 14, 2026
Seven-year-old Challenger Baseball player Raechel “Rae” McIntyre from Belleville, Ontario, is showing the world what courage, determination, and joy look like — all while living with muscular dystrophy.
Raechel’s story, a powerful example of strength, has captured the hearts of her community and supporters across social media, where her family shares updates on her progress and fundraising efforts.
From the moment she was born, Raechel faced challenges that many children her age could not imagine.
She uses a power wheelchair for mobility and has spent much of her life confined to the main floor of every house she’s lived in.
Yet, her parents, Lyndsay and Brent McIntyre, describe her as a “Rae of Sunshine,” a little girl whose laughter, determination, and spirit light up every room she enters.
“Rae has never let muscular dystrophy slow her down,” says Lyndsay McIntyre.
“She has shown us what true courage and resilience look like. She’s a little Rae of Sunshine who deservers to live in an environment that caters to her needs.”
Lyndsay Marie McIntyreRae’s love for baseball is a central part of her life. She plays Challenger Baseball, an inclusive program designed for children and youth with physical or cognitive disabilities.
On the field, Rae’s teammates are inspired not just by her ability to play the game but by her positivity, determination, and the sheer joy she brings to every practice and game.
“She is an amazing gal, with incredible potential! To reach her highest potential,” said Katherine Marlin.
Behind the smiles and victories, the McIntyres are focused on creating a home environment that allows Rae to live independently.
They recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a residential elevator in their home, which would give Rae access to her bedroom and the entire house for the first time.
For much of her life, Rae has been limited to the main floor because of accessibility barriers. The elevator would give her freedom, independence, and the simple childhood experience of exploring her own home like other kids her age.
“Any contribution, big or small, will directly help make Rae’s dream a reality,” the McIntyres wrote on the campaign page.
“Your generosity will directly impact her quality of life, giving her the gift of mobility and independence.”
GoFundMeThe GoFundMe has already raised thousands, and the family hopes continued support from the community will help them reach their goal.
The family has shared their journey widely on social media. Brent McIntyre’s heartfelt Facebook posts have documented both Raechel’s progress and the family’s fundraising efforts.
In one post from 2026, Brent shared his experience running a long-distance race to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, explaining how he carried a pack weighing roughly the same as Rae’s 43-pound body.
“Sadly, Raechel wasn’t able to join because she had been sick all weekend,” Brent wrote.
“But I channeled my motivation from her every step of the way. I imagined her beside me, holding my finger and pulling me along. Cooper, her sibling, was running ahead, calling me to keep going. It was an emotional experience that reminded me why we do this.”
Brent McIntyreBrent also recounted the physical demands of the race, training on flat trails for a race that included steep hills, running long distances while carrying the pack, and coping with cramps and fatigue along the way.
Yet, he pushed through, inspired by Raechel’s strength and determination. “Thanks to Lyndsay for holding down the fort and supporting my training,” he added. “This was as much her victory as it was mine.”
Through these fundraising efforts, both the GoFundMe and social media campaigns, the McIntyres have seen an outpouring of love and support from the Belleville community and beyond.
Each donation, share, and encouraging message brings Rae closer to a life with freedom and independence.
Raechel’s story is a reminder that muscular dystrophy does not define a child’s spirit or potential.
On the baseball field, in her home, and through every challenge she faces, Raechel McIntyre demonstrates courage, joy, and resilience.
The McIntyres’ dedication, combined with the Belleville community’s generosity and support, is giving Rae the chance to live a fuller, freer childhood, one step, one swing, and one stride at a time.
“Every day with Rae is a lesson in courage,” Lyndsay says.
“We can’t wait to see Rae’s joy when she can finally go upstairs all by herself. She will be able to access her bedroom independently, explore every nook and cranny, and truly enjoy her childhood. This elevator will not only provide her with physical mobility, but will offer her a sense of freedom and self-reliance that she has never experienced before. It’s a step toward giving her the same opportunities and experiences that other children her age take for granted.”
The McIntyres- Check other Articles on
- Raechel McIntyre
SuruchiSuruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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